Chapter 72

The five of us got first place in the Gairadeite expedition test .

Though clearly troubled Menou announced it to the other students who had not even left Deiruheido yet .

The test determines your grade by relative evaluation so we scored 100 points, however, there is such a big difference between our points and the all the others that the other students grades have dropped . It was unavoidable though considering our speed .

I didnt care about the points at all but the teacher was bothered by it .

I was guided to my dorm room and offloaded my luggage .

The rooms are divided into male and female with me and Ray sharing a twin room . Misha, Sasha and Misa are sharing a triple room .

Havent we got 10 days free time now? (Ray)

So they said . (Arnos)

Only after the 10 days are up can the students who made it to Gairadeite start taking lessons . Until then we are free .

Im going to go around the city for a while . What will you do? (Arnos)

Thats a good idea but I think Im off to the dining room . (Ray)

The dorm dining room is open from morning to evening and apparently, you can go and eat at any time .

Its breakfast time at the moment .

I see your appetite is as huge as ever . (Arnos)

He ate breakfast before we left Deruzogedo .

Im interested in Azeshion cooking . (Ray)

Later then . (Arnos)

Ray raises his hand from the bed as I leave the room .

Ah . .

Ive just met Sasha .

You going somewhere? (Sasha)

Im going for a walk around the city . Do you want to come with me? (Arnos)

Eh? Yes . thats fine (Sasha)

I left the dorm with Sasha .

What are Misha and Misa doing? (Arnos)

They are contacting the members of the fan union using Thought Transmission <Liikus> . It seems they are giving advice on the best route to get to Gairadeite . (Sasha)

I see . They are taking good care of them .

We should have brought them with us as well . (Sasha)

Theyre weak . It will do them good to earnestly do the exam . Theres no point raising your grades without the ability to back them up . (Arnos)

Hmmmm .

Sasha looks at me meaningfully .

What? (Arnos)

I thought you just went around doing crazy things but you actually consider things as well . (Sasha)

What are you saying? I always think about the right thing to do . (Arnos)

Sashas face becomes as expressionless .

Even though you tried to kill me yesterday during self-study? (Sasha)

You never actually died though . Thats something to be proud of . (Arnos)

Sasha didnt appear to be expecting that counterattack and seems lost at what to say back to me .

. Did you think you can fool me by praising me? Unfortunately for you, Im not that simple . (Sasha)

Sasha turns to the side in a huff .

Im not deceiving you though . Three times you surpassed the magic I was sure would kill you . You carry the same demon eyes as me . (Arnos)

Sashas ears turned red and she looked down .

I said I wont be fooled even if you praise me . You were honestly trying to kill me . (Sasha)

Yare yare . Why arent you pleased? I rarely praise you .

Sasha . I told you before that your demon eyes are beautiful . I wasnt lying about that either . (Arnos)

Wha . (Sasha)

Sasha slowly turns around .

What are you saying so suddenly? (Sasha)

Its not sudden . Ive thought it since we first met . Your demon eyes are tranquil and uncorrupted . Yesterdays self-study only reinforced that belief . (Arnos)

Demon eyes are used to look at other demons . By continuing to do that you can improve your skill level and look even deeper into the abyss, however, by doing so your eyes eventually become tainted .

Peaceful and clear demon eyes mean you are strongly resistant to magic . Even if you are exposed to ominous magic power your eyes remain untainted .

What were you thinking about during our self-study . concentrate properly (Sasha)

What else did I need to think about? I was concentrating on staring into your abyss . (Arnos)

By trying to prevent my magic Sasha polished her <demon eyes of ruin> even further . Even after all that I still cant see the bottom of her power .

Speaking of pure talent Sasha easily surpasses even the mazoku from the age of myths .

Nee .

Sasha looks down in embarrassment .

Show me your demon eyes . (Sasha)

Fumu . You want to use my eyes as a reference?

This okay? (Arnos)

I activated my <demon eyes of ruin> and stared at Sasha .

I think your demon eyes are more beautiful than mine . . (Sasha)

No, they arent . (Arnos)

Sasha became speechless at my firm declaration .

Your eyes are more beautiful . Listen carefully Sasha as Ill only say this once . (Arnos)

. Ye . yes . .

Sashas eyes seemed to be sucked into mine .

I want your demon eyes . (Arnos)

Eh . ? (Sasha)

I rarely say such things . (Arnos)

Sasha is talented . Her <demon eyes of ruin> have the potential to one day surpass mine . If she doesnt neglect her training that is .

Dont you understand my meaning? (Arnos)

Errm . . wait a momentI need to think (Sasha)

Sasha is confused though its no wonder . Ive just told her that she might surpass the demon king of tyranny .

Is that right? (Sasha)

She must be hesitating being told she could surpass me .

Thats right . I asserted clearly .

. You . . to think Arnos would say that . (Sasha)

Cant you believe it? (Arnos)

Sasha nods . Shes pretty cute with her defiant attitude .

Having you talk like that when I havent done anything is a bit . . (Sasha)

Im not on about the top layer . I looked deep into your abyss . Deep, deep within you is a sleeping but majestic shining light . (Arnos)

Sasha is at a loss for words .

Her <Demon eyes of ruin> that should be controllable now start rampaging and the surroundings start to shake .

Look into my eyes . (Arnos)

Eh . ?

Dont look away .

. . Yes . .

More .

Even if you say more

Come closer .

Sasha approaches me like shes told and as she comes right up to me I suppress her eyes with mine .

Fumu . Even this close I cant completely suppress her eyes .

As I thought . Her eyes are hiding a tremendous power .

Do you understand? (Arnos)

Sasha nods in embarrassment .

. . Havent you gone on a date with Misha already though? (Sasha)

A date? That time we went out together?

What about it? (Arnos)

Well, Arnos with Misha Sasha seems to be struggling to get her words out . . . and . . welldidnt you want Mishas demon eyes . . ?

I see . Sasha must have seen Mishas talent as well .

Its true that Misha has good demon eyes and they are in no way inferior to yours .

Sasha looks up at me with upturned eyes .

. . Arnos . . whos are better?

Impossible to choose .

Whos better? A question people will always be interested in especially if they are close to that person, however, their demon eyes have very different qualities . They cant be compared .

Dont you know? (Sasha)

Fumu . Was my choice of words confusing?

I want both of you .

Eeeeeeeeh . . !? Both of us?

Sasha raises her voice in surprise .

Are you unhappy with both of you?

. Isnt it a bit strange . . ?

I laughed unintentionally .

Why are you laughing? Whats wrong with wanting to be number one . Is that strange . . ?

Not at all . Its good Sasha . You should aim for the top . When you compete with others you shine even more .

. . I see .

Im not sure if her murmur was relief or disappointment .

You know what? (Sasha)

Sasha speaks like shes given up .

. . Im only going to say this once as well .

Hearing her words I look at Sasha with a serious expression .

If you want, Ill give you these demon eyes .

Fumu . Certainly, demon eyes can be taken by force but the light will never return to the person whos had them taken . I wont take them though its admirable to show such loyalty .

I wont take them but I want you to make a promise with me . (Arnos)

Sasha has a questioning look in her eyes .

Someday, I might find myself in a situation that is out of my control . At that time I might not be able to protect those I want to protect . (Arnos)

I dont think that will ever happen (Sasha)

Probably not but theres no absolutes . Anyway, in that instance, Ill depend on you to protect me Sasha . Your eyes have that power .

If that happens and I keep my promise will you listen to what I have to say?

You can say anything to me .

Sasha looks happy and nods bashfully .

You promise? (Sasha)

Do you want to use <Zekt>? (Arnos)

Sasha shakes her head .

I dont need it . A promise is better than a contract . (Sasha)

I see .

Her <demon eys of ruin> have settled and when we start walking she seems in a good mood .

By the way, where were you going? (Sasha)

To find out what type of traditions have been handed down about the heroes . (Arnos)

Well then . Dont you think youll get that information from the hero academy? (Sasha)

Sasha points down one of the paths up ahead .

Lets go .

Aiming for the hero academy Arclaniska that can be seen in the distance we start walking .